Waxing your flooring can efficiently restore its shine, but wax is not designed to be a lasting end, and it finally yellows and turns hazy. The remedy is simple: Clean it off and rewax the ground. You need a strong cleaner to get the job, but it shouldn’t be strong enough to etch the flooring finish.
Commercial and Homemade Wax Cleaners
Cleaning products capable of softening floor wax are easily available at home hardware stores, and you can also create your own. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends odorless mineral spirits to get stripping hardwood should you prefer an alternative to a commercial wax-busting product. In case you have vinyl or linoleum floors, you are able to make an alternative cleaning solution using ammonia and laundry detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1 cup of laundry detergent in warm water and test it on the ground. If the wax does not soften, then add up to 1/2 cup of ammonia.
Cleaning the Floor
Stripping wax is a bit labor-intensive. After sweeping, vacuuming, moistening an area of the ground with a mop or sponge and allowing the wax to soften, then you normally have to scrub by hand. A tough rag is better, but if you want more abrasion, you may also use fine steel wool. If you’re cleaning hardwood, dry the ground completely when you’re done because standing water can damage the wood. Following the old wax is gone, a fresh coat should restore the sheen.